ABSTRACT
The first step in any form of medical treatment is the recognition that there is a problem, and, moreover, that it is a problem which can appropriately be taken to a doctor. This chapter concerns those couples who came to the Infertility Clinic and the ways in which they came to take this step. The Houghtons overstate the case in saying:
It has to be remembered that infertility is primarily a medical problem. (Houghton and Houghton 1984:21)
Even at the first stage, it is clear that infertility cannot be regarded as primarily medical, if one is to do justice to the perceptions childless couples have of their situation. In that the study group was recruited in the Infertility Clinic, the emphasis from this material will be the perspectives of those who decided to declare their childlessness a medical problem. The GPS has presented some data concerning those who did not make this choice.
